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Pilbara medical service has strong vitals

The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Anthony Beven, announced today that the special administration at Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation (PAMS) ended on 31 May 2014.

PAMS is owned and operated by the Martu people of the Pilbara. The corporation runs four health clinics in the communities of Jigalong, Punmu, Kunawarritji and Parnngurr (Cotton Creek) and looks after about 830 registered clients, mainly Martu people.

In December 2013 the Registrar placed PAMS under special administration after an examination by his office revealed some concerns about the governance and finances of the corporation. Mr Jack James and Ms Paula Cowan from the Perth-based firm of Palisade Business Consulting Pty Ltd were appointed as the special administrators.

‘From the beginning the priority was to ensure this vital corporation was able to continue to provide essential health services to the Martu people,’ said Mr Beven. ‘I’m pleased the special administration has helped PAMS put its affairs back in order.’

The governance, operations and finances of PAMS have been significantly improved and some long-term maintenance issues at the clinics and staff housing at Jigalong, Punmu and Cotton Creek are now being addressed.

The special administrators appointed a new CEO and health services officer and reduced the number of non‑essential staff and consultants. Two independent directors have also been appointed to strengthen the capacity of the board.

In just six months PAMS has moved from insolvency to a strong financial position,’ said Mr Beven. ‘The members have embraced a new management structure and the addition of independent directors. I am also pleased that PAMS’ dedicated staff will now see long overdue improvements in their workplace.’

The corporation has been returned to solvency without any additional funding.